HR managers urged to embrace AI without replacing human workers
Bitarakwate emphasised that human resource departments have a central role in building sustainable organisations by creating working environments where employees feel valued, included and motivated. “From employee well-being and inclusion to talent development and workplace culture, HR has a critical role in driving organisational sustainability,” she added.
Bitarakwate emphasised that human resource departments have a central role in building sustainable organisations by creating working environments where employees feel valued, included and motivated
Human resource managers have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for improving workplace efficiency and productivity while ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces human workers.
Catherine Bitarakwate, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, said organisations should leverage AI to improve service delivery, accuracy and access to information without undermining the value of employees.
She warned that excessive reliance on technology could worsen Uganda’s already high youth unemployment levels if organisations adopted AI primarily as a replacement for human labour.
Bitarakwate made the remarks during the 3rd Human Resource Managers Conference held recently at Serena Hotel in Kampala.
“AI should improve efficiency, accuracy and access to information without taking over human roles, because technology lacks human emotions and is not always entirely accurate,” she said.
She challenged human resource professionals to take the lead in ensuring that the adoption of emerging technologies is guided by ethical considerations, accountability and respect for employees.
According to Bitarakwate, organisations must develop policies that promote the responsible use of AI while safeguarding workers' rights, personal information and professional dignity.
“Innovation must go hand in hand with accountability, trust and good governance. You can have the best systems, structures and strategies, but without people, an organisation cannot thrive,” she said
Bitarakwate emphasised that human resource departments have a central role in building sustainable organisations by creating working environments where employees feel valued, included and motivated.
“From employee well-being and inclusion to talent development and workplace culture, HR has a critical role in driving organisational sustainability,” she added.
She urged HR managers to ensure that technological advancement does not overshadow the human aspect of organisational management, noting that employees remain central to institutional growth and success.
Paul Rugambwa, the president of the Human Resource Managers Association, said the association's efforts to secure the enactment of the Human Resource Professionals Bill were continuing, with engagements involving Parliament and the Ministry of Public Service.
he conference was held under the theme, “Shaping Africa’s Next Generation Organisations: People-Centred Leadership and Technology for Sustainable Growth.”
Paul Rugambwa, the president of the Human Resource Managers Association, said the association's efforts to secure the enactment of the Human Resource Professionals Bill were continuing, with engagements involving Parliament and the Ministry of Public Service.
He said the proposed legislation is intended to strengthen the professionalisation and regulation of human resource practice in Uganda, thereby promoting professionalism, accountability and improved standards in the sector
“We remain actively engaged with Parliament and the Ministry of Public Service to see that professionalisation and regulation of the human resource practice is properly anchored in the law,” Rugambwa said.
He noted that as organisations increasingly adopt new technologies and respond to changing workplace demands, professional human resource management would be critical in ensuring that institutions remain productive while protecting the interests of employees
Rugambwa also called on HR professionals to take an active role in shaping the future of work rather than simply reacting to changes brought about by technological advancements.
“The future of our work is not something that can simply happen to us. It is something we must actively build together,” he said
He added that organisations that will thrive in the future are those that put people at the centre of their operations and use technology to support, rather than undermine, human potential
“The organisations that will determine the future are those that treat people as central and let technology serve, not the other way around,” he advised.